The Way - Day 124 (Acts 20)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Acts 20
Following the riot, Paul called together his disciples and departed to Macedonia and then to Greece (probably in city of Corinth) where he stayed for three months (20:1-3a). The Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, so he decided to return to Macedonia (20:3b). Luke mentions the details of Paul's travels throughout Greece (20:4-6). Paul finally reunited with his team in Troas where they celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ together (20:7a).
 
Paul continued to speak to those gathered in Troas until midnight. Luke provides the details of what happened during this gathering, "There were lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep" (20:8-9a). Eutychus was probably affected by the fumes in the room, so he fell asleep while Paul was speaking and fell out the third story window to his death (20:9b). Paul ran to Eutychus and fell on him, embracing him, and life was restored to him (20:10-12).

From Troas, Paul departs for Miletus (20:13-16) where he addresses the Ephesian elders (20:17). When they gathered together to Paul in Miletus, he recounted how he had attempted to be faithful in preaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ in spite of opposition (20:18-21). Then Paul makes one of the greatest statements regarding faithfulness in the work to which he has been called: "None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (20:24). We also have been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ and should be faithful to share it, even when we face opposition. God has given us life so that we might speak to others about the grace of God given through His Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot be silent.

Paul is in Miletus speaking to the Ephesian elders who have gathered together (Acts 20:17-18) and he uses this opportunity to challenge them to be faithful in the ministry God has given them. The church was under much pressure and persecution so Paul was preparing them for what may lie ahead. Using his own ministry as an example, Paul declares that he has served the Lord "with all humility, with many tears and trials..." so that he could "preach repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (20:19, 21).

Paul now turns his words toward the Ephesian elders and urges them to be faithful in preaching the truth because there are many who will seek to destroy the church through false teaching (20:25-30). These leaders, whom Paul refers to as overseers, had a responsibility to protect the people entrusted to them by closely guarding the word of the Lord. There have always been those who twist and misuse the Bible to fit their own belief system; however, the church must stand against the compromise of truth. Paul commands these leaders to "watch" (20:31). After giving a few more words of challenge, Paul prays with all of these men and they are sorrowful to see him depart (20:32-38).